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Post subject: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 1:29 pm
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I have problems choosing my first (and last) electric guitar. I have narrowed my search to “Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster Custom”, which, to my great disappointment, is out of stock. Now I have to decide between “Classic Vibe Telecaster '50s” and “Fender Modern Player Telecaster Plus”. The price difference here is greater that in U.S.: 348 vs 528$.

I have to choose one of the above plus a Roland Cube amplifier: 20XL (207$) or 40XL (284$). I will never play on a stage, so the sound quality and features are of concern, not the power (I own an apartment).

Do you have any advice on which is the ideal combination? My initial target was 657$.

Thank you.


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:41 pm
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Play them both as often as you can at the guitar stores as well as the amps. Make a decision, take a leap of faith, sort to speak, as to which sounds best and enjoy! I will bet anything that this purchase will not be your first and last.


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 4:55 pm
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The neck profiles can make a huge difference depending on your preference. Also, for apartment playing, consider a Micro-Cube if you still want the Roland digital effects but less volume.

You might also want to check a Mustang amp. :wink:

Good luck!

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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 3:19 am
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Last guitar !!!! Never say that. ; )

Look on second guitar too. Price is cut 1/3


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:19 am
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fdproxy wrote:
I have problems choosing my first (and last) electric guitar.

As a beginner, it's impossible to say that.

Your first guitar is unlikely to be your last. Preferences change, needs and wants become different.

No point in sweating over your first too much. Get one you like the feel and sound of. Learn to play, and take it from there.


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:40 am
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Thank you all for your thoughts and encouragements. The sad truth is that I am more of a wannabe than a talent. :D

I have listened a bit all 4 products: 40xl is way too powerful for an apartment, although I think it sounds somehow “thicker” than 20xl. As for guitars, the MP is too much for me: in many cases, I wasn’t able to tell the difference.

Bottom line: CV + 20xl.


Thank you.


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:56 am
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Almost any amp is too powerfull for an appartment .

Not more than 1 watt is good . Good luck to find good amp at this power.

You need use headphone.


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:58 am
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fdproxy wrote:
Thank you all for your thoughts and encouragements. The sad truth is that I am more of a wannabe than a talent. :D


Talent is overrated. Persistence, determination, enjoying the process of learning and sticking with it are underrated.

fdproxy wrote:
I have listened a bit all 4 products: 40xl is way too powerful for an apartment, although I think it sounds somehow “thicker” than 20xl. As for guitars, the MP is too much for me: in many cases, I wasn’t able to tell the difference.


The bigger speaker in the 40 probably provides a fuller sound. May be worth the extra in the long run. Then you will have an amp that can jam with friends (who you may not yet have met), as well as run quiet for home use.

I can't tell the diff between mexican and US Fenders either. I don't think many beginners can, given their starting point. I also think if the differences are so subtle, only 'players' can hear it, then it's not really worth twice the price for it.

The CVs are highly rated squiers.


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 8:21 am
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As long as YOU are happy is all that matters. :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:26 am
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If your 1st guitar and a beginner/intermediate skill level (like me), consider a used guitar.

There are lots of nice ones out there in lightly played to mint condition at considerable savings.

If you outgrow it, or are attracted by something else once you've been playing a while, you can sell it and recoup most of your money to apply toward something different.

The guy who buys retail pays the depreciation and you can often sell a well-chosen used instrument for vitually what you paid for it in a couple years.

cheers!

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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:29 am
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Lightnin MN wrote:
If your 1st guitar and a beginner/intermediate skill level (like me), consider a used guitar.

There are lots of nice ones out there in lightly played to mint condition at considerable savings.

If you outgrow it, or are attracted by something else once you've been playing a while, you can sell it and recoup most of your money to apply toward something different.

The guy who buys retail pays the depreciation and you can often sell a well-chosen used instrument for vitually what you paid for it in a couple years.

cheers!


+1


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:52 am
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I'll let the others cover the guitar question, but as the owner of both a Roland Cube 20 and a Roland Cube 60 (no longer available), I would definitely opt for the Cube 40. It has lots more features than the 20 and I have no problem playing quietly with the Cube 60 - it actually has a knob on it that makes it go loud or quiet- go figure.

The Cube 40 also has an onboard looper, an awesome addition to the Roland amp, that my Cube 60 doesn't have. I'm actually tempted to pick up a Cube 40, too, just because of that. I find the onboard effects of the Roland amps to be quite acceptable, especially the adjustable delay, which is what I use (in moderation) most of the time.

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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 6:49 pm
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You need to play a number of guitars until you find one you are most comfortable with, regardless of model.


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 9:21 am
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A second-hand guitar is out of question since I do not have the necessary expertise and no one to ask.

I finally bought a 20xl and the blonde. I am not completely satisfied for I have noticed some problems. Since I do not know what is normal, maybe you can help me to sort them out:

1. The power buzz is too loud. It attenuates if I lower the guitar’s volume or touch the strings (or other metallic part) but I wasn’t able to completely remove it. I think this may be some shielding or grounding problem. I have noticed that the amplifier is not grounded.
2. Sometimes I can clearly hear some snare-like trail. At first I thought the shades were shaking :D. I have tried different settings. No result.
3. The amplifier’s input socket is not as tight as the other two sockets: foot-switch & out. It makes no click.
4. The guitar’s socket is loose. Quite disappointing.

I will visit the dealer this week. He will reevaluate/fix the items. If the 40xl does not have the same sound problems maybe I will change the amplifier (although I believe they both have the same sound processor).


Thank you all.


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Post subject: Re: Advice on buying a Telecaster
Posted: Mon Apr 15, 2013 5:31 pm
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Sounds like standard coil buzz, given you ground it by touching guitar or strings.

Buzz can be improved with better shielding - copper tape in the cavity made a big difference to my guitar, but it's not something you can eliminate completely. It's part of the deal with single coil guitars.


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